Caps blank Bulldogs, Eagles swoop into town

Alberni Valley Bulldogs’ goaltender Brad Rebagliati peers around a Nanaimo Clippers’ forward and Bulldog Jordan Andrews midway through the second period of the Bulldogs’ home opener on Friday. The Clippers stole away from Weyerhaeuser Arena with a 4-2 win.

The Cowichan Valley Capitals beat the Alberni Valley Bulldogs 5-0 in a Wednesday night home game.

Mason Malkowich opened scoring in the second period on a pass from Myles Powell and Devin Henes.

The Caps scored one more in the second and three goals in the third period to take the win.

The Cap’s were 1-4 on the power play while the Bulldogs were 0-6.

The Bulldogs were blanked but it wasn’t for lack of effort as they peppered Capital’s goalie Robin Gusse with 42 shots compared to the Capitals 27 on Bulldog netminder Brad Rebagliati.

The Bulldogs next game is against the Surrey Eagles on Saturday at the AV Multiplex.

Meanwhile, it’s been a busy week for the Alberni Valley Bulldogs as they lost a player and a goaltending coach.

The Bulldogs announced that Teal Burns has committed to play of the University of Guelph in the CIS this season.

“We are extremely proud and happy for Teal that he will continue getting a top university

education while playing CIS hockey,” said Bulldogs head coach Kevin Willison. “Teal worked very closely with educational advisor Tom McEvay during his short time with us just to qualify to play at the university level.”

The 20-year-old forward was acquired from the Cowichan Valley Captials for future considerations at the trade deadline last season.

Burns lit it up as soon as he took to the ice with the Bulldogs, netting 19 points in 18 regular season games, including three power play goals, one shorthanded goal, and two game-winning goals.

But Burns was acquired for his leadership and playoff experience and over 14 games in the playoffs he notched three goals and four assists, including two power play goals.

Burns is the 10th player from the 2012/13 season to commit to play college or university hockey.

“I’m excited about attending the University of Guelph,” said Burns, who acknowledged the support of his billet family, the fans, and especially that of McEvay, who got him to the next level, he said.

In another development, the Bulldogs also announced goalie coach Matt Korchmar would not have his contract renewed for this season.

The team has instead hired Alex Evin as its new goalie coach. Evin worked as a goalie coach after a successful collegiate career at Colgate University where he earned an English degree. He’s worked with the Trail Smoke Eaters, the Beaver Valley Nitehawks in the KIJHL, and the BCIHL league champion Selkirk College Saints.

If Evin’s name sounds familiar that’s because he played with Powell River, Williams Lake, and Penticton Vees over his five-year career. He garnered BCHL All Rookie Team, top academic player, top goaltender honours, as well as a Fred Page Cup.